The Méma is a semi-arid region in central Mali with
a rich archaeological heritage indicating the former existence
of large urban settlements. The archaeological data suggest millennia
of occupation history of the Méma preceding relatively
sudden abandonment by the 14th or 15th century AD. Population
numbers have remained low since then and today's human presence
in the area is sparse and largely mobile. Geomorphologically,
the Méma can be characterized as a graben hosting various
generations of aeolian landforms and (presently mostly dry) interdunal
channels and lakes, linked to the neighbouring Inland Niger Delta
floodplain. Given this setting, and the variability of the Sahelian
climate, climatic contributions to the region's sudden abandonment
are likely. A geomorphological survey of the region, and interpretation
of the observed geomorphological record in terms of climatic
history, aimed at providing a basis for understanding the intensive
occupation and subsequent abandonment of the Méma. The
results of this study underscore dramatic Holocene climatic variability,
leading to the region's present geomorphological diversity, but
also suggest that neotectonic movements constitute an important
additional cause of regional desiccation. Both may have encouraged
prehistoric people to abandon the Méma after a long period
of occupation.